Fuji - you have to try a Fischer Vacuum 90... talk about cutting through the air quickly! That racquet made the APDGt feel clunky. Flip side though, you REALLY have to generate your own power, the top hoop issue and it does nothing to "help" spin.

Speaking of which, are you a windshield wiper/western grip guy?

You have me intrigued with the Dunlop 200 - but here's the thing, and back to my original question, wouldn't a PT280 be preferable to the Bio200 (with the former actually being usually cheaper)? Thanks again, man.

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Haha I've always wanted to try the 90 actually! I just never got around to really looking for one! It sounds like a fun frame!

Normally I hit WW forehands with a semi western grip, but I do go full eastern for blocking back big shots and to flatten out winners!

Oh for sure! If you can get PT280's for cheaper then 200's, by all means go for it. I won't argue that it's the better frame, since hitting the sweet spot for me is probably the best feeling ever haha! The issue becomes getting a few of the same stick. I have a single PT630, and I never use it for anything serious because I don't care for switching frames in the middle of a match. The 200 series is just really readily available, and at dirt cheap prices used. So it's easy to stock up on a pair/trio or more for realistically cheap. :razz:

Funny how this is the same game we play but our individual views can be so drastically different. Pt630 is THE most forgiving racket for miss hits I have EVER tried and I tried a lot. I have yet to find a racquet that either does not sound hollow or dead or stiff towards the tip all of which bother me. Close second is ig radical pro but its little hollow in comparison to pt630 and its 1619 another thing that bothers me I find 0 (zero) shock on miss hits with pt

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Haha see, that's what I was looking for in the PT630! Maybe I got a dud frame, because I definitely have a lot of shock on mishits.

That being said, I can't use wood rackets at all. The low flex absolutely kills my arms!

Haha I've always wanted to try the 90 actually! I just never got around to really looking for one! It sounds like a fun frame!

Normally I hit WW forehands with a semi western grip, but I do go full eastern for blocking back big shots and to flatten out winners!

Oh for sure! If you can get PT280's for cheaper then 200's, by all means go for it. I won't argue that it's the better frame, since hitting the sweet spot for me is probably the best feeling ever haha! The issue becomes getting a few of the same stick. I have a single PT630, and I never use it for anything serious because I don't care for switching frames in the middle of a match. The 200 series is just really readily available, and at dirt cheap prices used. So it's easy to stock up on a pair/trio or more for realistically cheap. :razz:

-Fuji

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The PV90 was a cool frame and I can understand the high regarded afforded to it - but, man, couldn't wait to sell the two that I picked a while ago and was thrilled when I did. Given your style of play, I'd probably avoid the idea of purchasing it, but definitely try it if you get the chance. Alas, not a "value" stick - at least subjectively.

Haha see, that's what I was looking for in the PT630! Maybe I got a dud frame, because I definitely have a lot of shock on mishits.

That being said, I can't use wood rackets at all. The low flex absolutely kills my arms!

-Fuji

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I guess the real solution for us is to miss hit less hahaha I am not sure why yours does not feel the same the only explanation is that u have 280 and not 630 lots of people think it'd the same racquet but 280 is stiffer and slightly harsher on anything but sweet spot.

I was never impressed by Dunlop. I ordered a pair of 300 tours over the summer, and they didn't seem to live up to the hype. The had a different (not bad) feel, but nothing spectacular. And a pretty short grip....

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i somewhat agree with this in that i think the type of string and the tension you have the dunlops strung at makes a HUGE difference with how it plays, also the grip bothers me as well because it is as short as my aero pro drive grip, but the dunlop racquet kind of pinches/rubs my knuckle on my backhand in such a way that becomes very painful after 30 min or so of playing.....i probably sound like a pansy saying that, but its hard to explain....i guess its because its nto as powerful a racquet and i had to swing much harder and a little more reckless with it....i dunno

I guess the real solution for us is to miss hit less hahaha I am not sure why yours does not feel the same the only explanation is that u have 280 and not 630 lots of people think it'd the same racquet but 280 is stiffer and slightly harsher on anything but sweet spot.

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That could very well be the issue as well! I never knew that there was a noticeable difference between the two. Thank you for the info!

I guess the real solution for us is to miss hit less hahaha I am not sure why yours does not feel the same the only explanation is that u have 280 and not 630 lots of people think it'd the same racquet but 280 is stiffer and slightly harsher on anything but sweet spot.

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Are you sure this is in reference to the Austrian made PT280s? Frankly, I wasn't able to tell a discernible difference between the MIA PT280s and the non-Trek font PT630s when capped.

Gotta chime in with something off the beaten path--PK 5/7G. $119 brand new, and I recently picked up a brand new "used" 7 for $40. Great racquets with both spin and control due to the 16x20 string pattern.

Yes, the pb10 325 is a great racquet - but are you getting them new at that price (no need to reveal source if so, out of respect for TW)??? My only issue with Volkl is my apparent inability to generate as heavy a ball as with the PT (at least in terms of the c10/pb10s that I've tried).

Yes, the pb10 325 is a great racquet - but are you getting them new at that price (no need to reveal source if so, out of respect for TW)??? My only issue with Volkl is my apparent inability to generate as heavy a ball as with the PT (at least in terms of the c10/pb10s that I've tried).

You cannot put anything inside the handle of a Volkl O10 or PB model. They have stuff in there to reduce vibration in the handle. I weight the handle by removing all grips and apply lead tape to the pallet. The O10 295 is a great customization platform - mine is 12.1 oz, 6 HL and 335 SW. I imagine the PB10 295 would be good as a platform racket too but have not tried it. O10 is 16x19 and PB10 is 18x20.

So, have to admit - becoming a bit intrigued with the PSLtd. (not sure if the GT or the Std is better suited for me), but that leads me to another question, almost a corollary of my original question - in that, while understanding there is no "perfect stick," how much is one ultimately willing to spend on a stick that very well could be the (subjective) holy grail?

Not sure if anyone else agrees, but for me there is this increasing perspective that - at the end of the day - these are still, "just" tennis racquets and are only worth so much in the grand scheme of things. So, for those who view a no longer produced stick as their grail (which I venture to guess is a fair number of posters here, if not the majority) what are you ultimately willing to spend on a pristine if not NOS stick? Do you reach a point where it's simply not worth it - regardless of how rare it is or special to you? Obviously the answer is yes, but the psychology behind is interesting.

To be honest, my recent experience(s) with the PT57A have done just that. While great sticks, there's too many headaches associated with them and they are just flat out pricey for what they are. Increasingly, I'm finding myself reluctant to spend over $200 for a racquet regardless of it's fame or reputation - especially with the PT280s out there for about half (admittedly, likely slight more) that.

To that end, from a collector's perspective - how much are even the most sought after "retail" sticks going to increase to? Conceptually speaking, do we really believe the day will come where the St.V is consistently going for $1500 or the Prestige Pro 600 for $1000? Or is there inherently a ceiling on these products?

Genuinely interested in any (constructive) thoughts you guys have to offer.

Yeah, I know many people that LOVE the Pure Storm LTD. You can get older versions new on TW for 80 dollars. Basically it's Bab's take on a Wilson, IMHO. Pricing on racquets is very arbitrary. I often go for the previous years model.

So, have to admit - becoming a bit intrigued with the PSLtd. (not sure if the GT or the Std is better suited for me), but that leads me to another question, almost a corollary of my original question - in that, while understanding there is no "perfect stick," how much is one ultimately willing to spend on a stick that very well could be the (subjective) holy grail?

Not sure if anyone else agrees, but for me there is this increasing perspective that - at the end of the day - these are still, "just" tennis racquets and are only worth so much in the grand scheme of things. So, for those who view a no longer produced stick as their grail (which I venture to guess is a fair number of posters here, if not the majority) what are you ultimately willing to spend on a pristine if not NOS stick? Do you reach a point where it's simply not worth it - regardless of how rare it is or special to you? Obviously the answer is yes, but the psychology behind is interesting.

To be honest, my recent experience(s) with the PT57A have done just that. While great sticks, there's too many headaches associated with them and they are just flat out pricey for what they are. Increasingly, I'm finding myself reluctant to spend over $200 for a racquet regardless of it's fame or reputation - especially with the PT280s out there for about half (admittedly, likely slight more) that.

To that end, from a collector's perspective - how much are even the most sought after "retail" sticks going to increase to? Conceptually speaking, do we really believe the day will come where the St.V is consistently going for $1500 or the Prestige Pro 600 for $1000? Or is there inherently a ceiling on these products?

Genuinely interested in any (constructive) thoughts you guys have to offer.

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If you have any questions at all regarding the LTD, let me know! I've used them for awhile. :razz:

I'll compare to the Bio 200 as it's what I have the most experience with...

Power department definitely goes to the 200. The 200 gets unnatural boom from the stick with tons of plough through. The PSL simply doesn't, as it feels a lot deader. I feel as though this is a positive, but a lot of people don't like the lifeless feel of the PSL/GT.

Stability: They are fairly equal, with the PSL having the slight edge in my books, over the 200. Although the 200 has near the same, I feel as though I was catching off centre a bit more due to my strokes and the head shape style.

Sweetspot size: The 200 definitely has a bigger sweet spot with the same string/tension.

Ease of Swing: The 200 has the PSL beat, as I noted before it swings ridiculously fast for it's static weight. No idea why, but it does!

Volleying: The 200 has great feel, but a bit too much pop for me. Great for put aways, but the dead 200 peels off touch volleys like no tomorrow which I greatly prefer. If I played more doubles the 200 would probably be more desire able.

Serving: The PSL hits solid serves, but nothing spectacular. The 200 on the other hand hits such a monster serve I can't believe it. That's probably the best attribute of the 200 in my books. Monster first serves, and wicked seconds.

Groundies: The PSL gets my vote as it's so solid and ability to hit great spin is there. The 200 again just has a touch too much pop compared to the PSL where I'm comfortable. The 200 I never felt totally sure that my shots would land in, as with the PSL I knew that they are going to drop in with proper technique.

That's pretty much all I can think of right now, if there is anything else you'd like to know please ask!

I'll compare to the Bio 200 as it's what I have the most experience with...

Power department definitely goes to the 200. The 200 gets unnatural boom from the stick with tons of plough through. The PSL simply doesn't, as it feels a lot deader. I feel as though this is a positive, but a lot of people don't like the lifeless feel of the PSL/GT.

Stability: They are fairly equal, with the PSL having the slight edge in my books, over the 200. Although the 200 has near the same, I feel as though I was catching off centre a bit more due to my strokes and the head shape style.

Sweetspot size: The 200 definitely has a bigger sweet spot with the same string/tension.

Ease of Swing: The 200 has the PSL beat, as I noted before it swings ridiculously fast for it's static weight. No idea why, but it does!

Volleying: The 200 has great feel, but a bit too much pop for me. Great for put aways, but the dead 200 peels off touch volleys like no tomorrow which I greatly prefer. If I played more doubles the 200 would probably be more desire able.

Serving: The PSL hits solid serves, but nothing spectacular. The 200 on the other hand hits such a monster serve I can't believe it. That's probably the best attribute of the 200 in my books. Monster first serves, and wicked seconds.

Groundies: The PSL gets my vote as it's so solid and ability to hit great spin is there. The 200 again just has a touch too much pop compared to the PSL where I'm comfortable. The 200 I never felt totally sure that my shots would land in, as with the PSL I knew that they are going to drop in with proper technique.

That's pretty much all I can think of right now, if there is anything else you'd like to know please ask!

-Fuji

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You seem to be a big fan of the 200 line. Did you switch to PSL simply for more confidence in groundies? Based on what you are talking about, the 200 seems to be a good fit for me, I'll just have to make sure to tame the power - maybe with Alu Rough.

You seem to be a big fan of the 200 line. Did you switch to PSL simply for more confidence in groundies? Based on what you are talking about, the 200 seems to be a good fit for me, I'll just have to make sure to tame the power - maybe with Alu Rough.

Now to figure out if the 4D 200 or 4D 300T is better for my game.

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Yeah! I absolutely love the 200 line, as they are one of the best playing lines IMO. The biggest thing was not having confidence in groundies as you said, I just like knowing that I will drop in with the PSL. Honestly though, I can play near identically with either stick, it just boiled down to what I was looking for in the long run.